Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Thursday, November 5, 2026, that he is retiring from international football, ending a 23-year career with Portugal. The 41-year-old shared the decision in an emotional video on social media, saying he would hand back Portugal's No. 7 shirt.
The news reached millions within hours. TikTok news creator Dylan Page's video on the announcement drew 4.2 million views, one of the most-watched non-election stories of the week.
Part of our Midterms 2026 coverage series, covering the biggest stories of election week.
- 234CapsMen's international record
- 146GoalsMen's international record
- 6World Cups played
- 11World Cup goals
- 3Major trophiesEuro 2016, Nations League 2019 and 2025
- 23 yearsInternational careerDebut Aug. 20, 2003
Source: Reuters, AP, AFP, Daily Sabah
The career in numbers
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut on August 20, 2003, against Kazakhstan, at 18. He leaves as the most-capped player and leading scorer in the history of men's international football, with 234 appearances and 146 goals.
He played at six World Cups, scoring a record 11 goals across them. He captained Portugal to its first major trophy at Euro 2016 and also won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Why now: from the World Cup to a walkout
Ronaldo's exit came at the end of a turbulent few months.
The World Cup. Portugal were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16, losing to eventual champions Spain in Arlington, Texas, on July 6. Ronaldo considered retiring then and even prepared a farewell letter, but Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença persuaded him to continue, Daily Sabah reported.
A new coach. Jorge Jesus, 72, was appointed Portugal coach in July. Ronaldo captained the side in a 1-0 Nations League win over Wales in Lisbon on September 24, but stayed on the bench for the whole of a 2-1 win in Norway three days later. It was the first time since November 2024 that he had not appeared for Portugal without being injured or suspended.
The walkout. On September 30, in Copenhagen, Jesus confirmed Ronaldo would not start the next game against Denmark. Hours later, Ronaldo left the training camp. Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 without him. Jesus later said he did not owe Ronaldo an apology.
The suspension. Ronaldo apologised and said he remained available for selection, but the FPF suspended him for 30 days and fined him €255, beIN Sports reported.
The announcement. On November 5, he announced he was stepping away for good.
- Aug. 20, 2003Debut vs Kazakhstan, aged 18
- July 10, 2016Wins Euro 2016, Portugal's first major trophy
- July 6, 2026World Cup round-of-16 exit to Spain in Arlington, Texas
- July 2026Jorge Jesus named Portugal coach
- Sept. 24, 2026Captains Portugal in 1-0 win over Wales
- Sept. 27, 2026Unused substitute in 2-1 win in Norway
- Sept. 30, 2026Leaves camp after being left out vs Denmark
- Oct. 2026FPF suspends him for 30 days and fines him €255
- Nov. 5, 2026Announces retirement from international football
Will he play again for Portugal?
Reports differ. Reuters said Ronaldo would hand back the No. 7 shirt after the November international break, and Portugal's remaining Nations League games, at home to Denmark in Braga on November 14 and away to Wales, could be his final chances to add to his records. The AP described the retirement as effective immediately. Portugal currently top their Nations League group.
Ronaldo continues to play club football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
The end of an era, twice
The announcement came shortly after Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's great rival, also retired from international football. Messi said in late August that he would play one final match for Argentina. Within a few months, the two players who dominated international football for nearly two decades have both left the stage.
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Some details of Ronaldo's final matches were still unclear at the time of writing. We will update this article as Portugal confirms his farewell.
Sources: Reuters via GV Wire; AP via ABC7; Daily Sabah; AFP via Kuwait Times; The National Desk; HOLA!; Devdiscourse / Reuters; beIN Sports; Al Jazeera; Daily Sabah, walkout; Gulf News; Sahara Reporters; What's Resonating.